In a major move that reshapes the landscape of Major League Baseball, All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has agreed to a monumental five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, worth a staggering $175 million.
The Deal and Its Details
The agreement, confirmed to the Associated Press by two anonymous sources on Saturday night, is pending the completion of a standard physical examination. A significant clause within the contract grants Bregman a no-trade provision, giving him the power to veto any potential future trades from the franchise.
This marks the second consecutive offseason Bregman has tested free agency. Last February, he spurned interest from the Cubs to sign a three-year, $120m deal with the Boston Red Sox, a contract that included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. After a 2024 campaign where he batted .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games—missing all of June with a quadriceps injury—he chose to enter the market once more.
From Houston Glory to Boston and Beyond
Bregman, who will turn 32 in March, spent the first nine seasons of his illustrious career with the Houston Astros, where he was a cornerstone of their 2017 and 2022 World Series-winning teams. The 2017 title, however, was forever marred by the sign-stealing scandal that brought intense criticism upon the team.
His move to Boston last year created an immediate logjam, as the Red Sox already had All-Star Rafael Devers entrenched at third base. The organisation asked Devers to shift to the designated hitter role, a decision that reportedly soured the relationship and ultimately led to Devers being traded to the San Francisco Giants in June. Despite leading the majors in errors, Boston did return to the postseason for the first time in four years, with Bregman posting an .822 OPS—his best since 2019—and earning his third All-Star selection.
What Bregman Brings to Wrigley Field
The Cubs, who finished second in the NL Central with a 92-70 record and made a playoff appearance in 2024 before falling to Milwaukee in the Division Series, have secured a proven winner to bolster their infield. Last season, third base was primarily manned by rookie Matt Shaw, who provided stellar defence but hit .226 with 13 homers. Shaw is now expected to transition into a valuable super-utility role following Bregman's arrival.
This acquisition represents the second significant roster move by the Cubs in quick succession, following their trade for right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins just days earlier. The addition of a hitter of Bregman's calibre signals a clear intent from the Chicago front office to build a team capable of challenging for the National League pennant once again.
